Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer Among HIV Positive Women Attending Comprehensive Care Centres in Igoji, Meru County, Kenya

Cervical cancer is a cancer that arises in the cervix of the uterus that happens when the cells change in a woman`s cervix which connects their uterus with the vagina. It’s the most common cancer among women living with HIV. The overall risk of HIV acquisition among women is doubled when they have an HPV infection. Worldwide, an estimated 5% of all cervical cancer are attributable to HIV. The study was hence conducted to access the level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among HIV positive women attending comprehensive care clinic at Igoji. The study was guided by three research objectives including; sociodemographic factors affecting the uptake of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, knowledge level of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women and attitude towards cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women. The study employed a cross-sectional design with quantitative data. The research was conducted in Igoji in Meru County at St. Anne Hospital and Kieni Kia Ndege health center among HIV positive women attending their CCC services at those health facilities. The study used a sample size of 78 participants with stratified and simple random sampling. The study findings showed that women lacked knowledge on various aspects of cervical cancer and the uptake to cervical cancer screening services remained low with the women`s education, attitude and knowledge contributing significantly. The study then recommended that Women also need to be equipped with knowledge on the significance of early and regular screening which can be attained by using multiple strategies that will reach women groups and churches. As well media like televisions and radio stations should be motivated to facilitate more and create more awareness towards cervical cancer. This is because most of the women especially in the communities have an access to either of the media among other recommendations.